A "newbie"

I went out with a lady who became much more physically involved in the summer. She was talking of her discoveries about accessible parking spots, people asking her for help, and needing to be driven everywhere. It was interesting to hear her perspective because I never think of typical issues I only concentrate on solving them as they relate to me. Regarding parking my only issue is the islands throughout the entire lot, especially next to the close spaces. I can't use them then let my ramp down because I could never get off of them. Regarding people's offers (sometimes they don't ask) I said in order to be as independent as possible I can't worry about offending them. I lost a lot of potential friends, and perhaps should have been more sensitive, but I couldn't just rely on others generosity or sympathy cause in the end I would be hurting myself. Regarding driving, I still take buses to save gas but I'm always grateful I have the option. What bothers me is when others who can't drive get angry at me for being able to drive. I gave her the following advice. First- Pick your battles and not let everything bother you. There will always be others "to teach" and it will eventually drive you nuts. Second- Think and plan ahead each day rather than dwelling on challenges. If you do this you'll be able to have more time to enjoy the experience. Third- Think of how something could be worse and realize that it's not so bad. Like the cloud with the silver lining but much more specific.

Wheelchairs aren't automobiles

When Dodge decides to update then eliminate old models it frustrating if the part is no longer in stock- it usually can be ordered from somewhere. However when Invacare decides to update then eliminate an older model that can be a disaster. People who buy a certain model do for a reason and it's rarely for aesthetic reasons. I have jus discovered that there is absolutely no power chair on the market with shorter foot pedals. The new version not only has longer foot pedals but also an entirely different structure! I can not believe how completely ignored my issue is; I can't be the only one is this predicament. In fact I know people in this situation but they just quietly deal because there is no incentive to cater to a person with short legs but is not a dwarf. I am so tired of able-bodied people (my parents) saying that I'm inflexible. I drive in my chair so I am risking an accident if I am not securely sitting in my chair while at the steering wheel. The good thing is I di not make a purchase, went through three appointments and they all conclude with undeserving judgment.

Simple solutions to pesky problems

If someone has poor circulation in their legs winter and even fall can be the enemy. After a few hours under the covers or after a hot bath or putting on pants, blankets, or a heater may work. By accident I tucked the cover under my leg. I was completely toasty. If a wheelchair was just measured wrong that is a big deal, it isn't like an item of clothing in which you can visit customer service and with the receipt, return it. Analyze what is wrong with it and get advice from staff at a hardware store and or a service provider. If the issue is that the footplates are too low get pieces of wood to make them higher so your feet reach. If a major piece of the structure is sticking out and limits your transfer get it cut or welded then cover it with moleskin. Unfortunately, the professionals and manufacturers are the last to help, they are not trained to offer advice that isn't expensive and approved. So many people with issues just suffer, are steered wrong, or told their concerns are illogical.

mental wellness

I just spent a day at a conference in mental health and a few talks covered veteran health issues. One was a set of parents whose son died from CTE chronic traumatic encephalopathy. It is often diagnosed as post traumatic stress and can not be detected until an autopsy is performed after death. On a positive note, I met a person from NAMI who runs the York office of York office. The lady acknowledged that Lancaster should have more programs for veterans and their families. I offered to help the process and in time it will come to fruition. There are many more things that will be explored and Team River Runner, the adapted kayaking program for veterans, will finally generate more interest. Veterans will have more chances to improve socially, recreationally, and personally. All that is needed is a few good "men."

Grievances

I just cleared up a problem with my insurance and ambulance company. I paid for something that was waived so I needed to do some advocacy. Then while the lady was on I asked her what my screen looks like regarding grievances. She read a few that I never filed and had nothing to do with. Apparently I made a formal complaint to Coventry that I wasn't getting the rehabilitation center I wanted and I phoned them from the hospital. I received a letter of refusal when I came home so I called to clarify things but I did not expect strong documentation written blaming me. Then I was never assigned the case worker to help me get a new wheelchair. I never requested one and the issue was dropped by Coventry but it was also documented. Self-advocacy is crucial and nobody checks on what's written on the other end. It's supposed to be objected but actually it's not just subjective but it's made up.

"Thank you for your (food) service"

I couldn't get an article put in the newspaper so I am trying for something on the opinion page. I hope it will get published and then replies. Christine Lynskey, Manager of Friendly's and Michael Wolfe, Store Manager of Golden Corral both on Lincoln Highway in Lancaster are among the 1000's of restaurant staff serving our veterans free meals in honor of Veteran's Day. November 11 traditionally features clothing store deals but more valuable than that are free meals. That is because many of the people who fought for our country now have $0 to their name. There have been more than 6,000 veteran suicides each year (Sept. 2018 Nat'l VA data). Many feel there is nothing to look forward to but loneliness and psychological and physical pain. One local recreational option is Team River Runner. This is a free adaptive paddling program originally for veterans. November 11th is the 1 day that is "their day" let's make it count. Consider making your day more than just a single day.

Why give to Team River Runner?

November 16 is the day that people donate to non-profits in Lancaster County. Lancaster County Community Foundation hosts a 24-hour charitable giving campaign that connects over 500 local charitable organizations to donors across our county, state, even across the country. Team River Runner is just one of the charities. So why choose this charity? 1) This event supplies the funds that help to deliver our promise to serve local Veterans, disabled Veterans, and children and adults with disabilities who wish to break barriers through adaptive paddle sports. 2) TRR offers veterans, who put their lives at risk for our freedom, now should get our support. 3)TRR gives a purpose to veterans who were/are seriously maimed forever. 4) TRR can decrease the significant veteran suicide rate of 22 deaths a day, many more. This event supplies the funds that help us to deliver our promise to serve local Veterans, disabled Veterans, and children and adults with disabilities who wish to break barriers through adaptive paddle sports. Team River Runner is just one of the charities. Last year Extraordinary Give raised more than $31 MILLION for organizations across our community.

New perspective

When something unfortunate happens in my life I gain perspective and realize how it could be worse. It's healthy to do that because things become stagnant and nothing happens. The meeting with Person Directed Supports will be very meaningful; I would be helping them with their placements so I could generate business for my program. I may grow my own program and get experience and connected. It would be great to make connections with people from the Mental Wellness Conference. That's a whole other population to tap and it isn't much of a stretch. I always find a way to enjoy a program or even a one on one meeting. Sure my leg hurts but whatever, life goes on and the more I challenge it the better it will be.

(un)missed chance

Last week was the PADES Conference which stands for Pennsylvania Disability Employment Summit. I felt badly about not going especially since it was in Harrisburg, practically the next town over. However, after reading the agenda carefully I decided to reach out to many of the speakers by writing letters to them. I wonder how many people will be doing that and commenting on each of their topics. I may get more attention from some of them than if I met them in person there. I will benefit from their views on my idea of employer outreach for the purpose of exchanging information on disability and establishing relationships for future job placements- not to immediately make job placements for consumers. Last time I mentioned my idea at a conference the speaker said it was an interesting idea. After such a comment I knew it had to be implemented. Who knows where it will lead. I'll never know until I try - 16 more emails (all of which I will have to call individually).